Gizzard impaction in lesser rhea chicks (Pterocnemia pennata) raised on farms in Patagonia, Argentina

Impaction of the gizzard was diagnosed in 33 1-to-4-wk-old lesser rhea (Pte rocnemia pennata) raised on farms in Patagonia, Argentina. The birds showed anorexia, lethargy, constipation, dehydration, weight loss, and weakness. Necropsy revealed gizzard impaction by fibrous material, sand, rocks, and r ubbish. Also, excess fibrous material was observed in the small intestine, and intussusception was found in one chick. Impaction of the gizzard observ ed in the present study was similar: to that reported in other ratite speci es and confirmed chat this disease can affect lesser rhea chicks raised in captivity. This disease affected 33 out of 41 (80%) dead lesser rhea chicks submitted to the Animal Health Unit of The National Institute of Agricultu ral Technology, Bariloche, Argentina, during the study period, so it can be a significant cause of mortality in farmed rheas in Argentina.